Darter Doets stunt with World Cup victory over Smith, the champion of two years ago

Kevin Doets provided a resounding surprise in the second round of the Darts World Cup (PDC). After a true thriller, the Dutchman was too strong 3-2 for Michael Smith, the number two in the world and world champion two years ago.

Last year, Doets also met Smith at Alexandra Palace and shook the then reigning champion. Then the Dutchman went down 3-2. This time the penny fell his way.

The first set in Alexandra Palace went to the Englishman 3-0. This was partly due to eleven misses on Doets’ doubles. With his first striking double, the Dutchman won the first leg of the second set and from that moment on Doets, the number 51 in the world, had the initiative.

The 26-year-old Doets made it 1-1 in sets and the third set went to Smith again. Doets forced a convincing 3-0 in legs in a fifth set and took a 2-0 lead.

Then Smith briefly showed his class with a 123 finish, followed by an 84 finish. In the meantime, Doets missed his first match dart on tops. The score became 2-2 and it remained extremely exciting.

There had to be a difference of two legs in the decisive fifth set and after the 4-4 Smith had no escape anymore. Doets got three arrows on 40 and with the third arrow he finished it: 6-4. This is how he won the best victory of his career.

For Smith, the defeat is confirmation of his mediocre form. After his world title at the beginning of 2023, things went less and less. The 34-year-old ‘Bully Boy’ started enjoying the attention, fame and life a little too much and has had two bad years.

The defeat puts him in free fall on the Order of Merit, the world ranking. He could even fall outside the first sixteen.

Earlier in the evening, Welshman Nick Kenny won 3-0 against American Stowe Buntz. Kenny is Raymond van Barneveld’s opponent in the second round on Saturday evening.